Find out about the ten best selling albums of all time, including the year they were released, and how many official copies were sold of each album. Over the years, certain albums have emerged as titans, dominating the charts and etching themselves into the minds of generations. These albums are more than a collection of songs. They are cultural landmarks, shaping the soundscape of their respective eras, ultimately transcending time and cementing their significance.  

10. Fleetwood Mac – “Rumours” (1977)
Genre: Soft Rock | Copies Sold – 40 Million

Rumours is a testament to the power of music to transcend personal turmoil and create something truly timeless. Fleetwood Mac’s masterpiece of heartache and longing captivated audiences upon its release and continues to resonate with listeners today. With its unforgettable melodies and raw emotion, the album remains one of the best-selling records of all time, marking Fleetwood Mac’s lasting impact on rock ‘n’ roll.

9. Shania Twain – “Come On Over” (1997)
Genre: Country, pop | Copies Sold – 40 Million

“Come On Over” shattered records and stereotypes alike, becoming one of the best-selling albums by a female artist. Shania Twain’s bold blend of pop and country influences paved the way for a new generation of artists and captivated audiences around the world. With choruses you can sing along to and empowering lyrics, the album remains a testament to Twain’s unparalleled talent and enduring appeal.

8. Eagles – “Hotel California” (1976)
Genre: Soft rock | Copies Sold – 42 Million

Hotel California is a timeless classic that transports listeners to the sun-soaked streets of America’s West Coast. With its haunting melodies and enigmatic lyrics, the album captures the essence of the ’70s and remains one of the Eagles’ most beloved works. Its title track, with its iconic guitar solo, has become synonymous with the era, solidifying the album’s place among the best-selling records in history.

7. Meat Loaf – “Bat Out of Hell” (1977)
Genre: Rock | Copies Sold – 43 Million

Bat Out of Hell is a uniquely theatrical tour de force that defies convention and embraces excess in all forms. Meat Loaf’s operatic vocals combined with Jim Steinman’s epic songwriting create a larger-than-life musical experience that continues to captivate audiences. With its insane energy and unapologetic melodrama, the album remains a cult classic and one of the best-selling records of all time.

6. Eagles – “Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)” (1976)
Genre: Folk Rock | Copies Sold – 44 Million

This Eagles compilation album is a testament to the enduring appeal of their timeless classics. With chart-toppers like “Take It Easy” and “Hotel California,” the album became a staple of rock radio and a must-have for music lovers everywhere. Its seamless blend of country, rock, and folk influences embodies the spirit of the ’70s and continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

5. Michael Jackson – “Bad” (1987)
Genre: Pop, R&B, funk, rock | Copies Sold – 45 Million

Bad marked another triumph in the King of Pop’s unparalleled career, showcasing his evolution as an artist and entertainer. With hits like “Smooth Criminal” and the title track, the album further solidified Jackson’s status as a global superstar. Its blend of infectious rhythms and heartfelt melodies continues to inspire artists across genres, solidifying its place among the best-selling albums of all time.

4. Pink Floyd – “The Dark Side of the Moon” (1973)
Genre: Progressive rock | Copies Sold – 45 Million

The Dark Side of the Moon is a masterpiece by sound and conceptual brilliance. Pink Floyd’s exploration of existential themes and mind-bending soundscapes captivated listeners upon its release and continues to mesmerize audiences many years later. With its haunting melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, the album remains one of the best-selling and most influential records in the history of music.

3. Whitney Houston / Various Artists – “The Bodyguard” (1992)
Genre: R&B, soul, pop, soundtrack | Copies Sold – 50 Million

The Bodyguard soundtrack, which prominently featured Whitney Houston’s powerhouse vocals, dominated the charts and captured the hearts of millions…at least 50 million. With Whitney’s unforgettable rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” the album became a cultural phenomenon, breaking records and earning unprecedented acclaim. Its timeless melodies and emotional depth continue to resonate, making it one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.

2. AC/DC – “Back in Black” (1980)
Genre: Hard rock | Copies Sold – 50 Million

Back in Black is a thunderous declaration of the power of rock ‘n’ roll. AC/DC’s tribute to their late lead singer, Bon Scott, became one of the best-selling albums in history with its electrifying riffs and raw energy. Tracks like “You Shook Me All Night Long” and the title track have become anthems for rock enthusiasts worldwide, ultimately making AC/DC synonymous with the genre of hard rock. You likely can’t go to a smoky dive bar without hearing a song from this album.

1. Michael Jackson – “Thriller” (1982)
Genre: Pop, Funk, Rock | Copies Sold – 75 Million

Thriller isn’t just an album, it’s a phenomenon. Michael Jackson’s magnum opus shattered records and defied expectations of pop music. With iconic tracks like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” Thriller became the best-selling album of all time, captivating audiences with its infectious grooves and groundbreaking music videos. Its legacy continues to loom large even to this day, solidifying Jackson’s reputation as the King of Pop.

These albums, with their timeless melodies and universal appeal, have left an indelible mark on the fabric of popular culture. From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking pop anthems to Pink Floyd’s existential odysseys, each record represents a unique moment in musical history. If you listen to these albums individually it’s easy to see why they are some of the best selling albums of all time.